Is there anything exotic I need to do just to make a few test rounds using the Berger 6.5 140gr Hybrid Match with 35grs of Varget & a C.O.A.L. of 2.800 (this recipe is directly from the Berger Manual for 6.5 Creedmoor). Shooting from a Ruger Precision Rifle. I noticed that the length of the Bergers are longer than the 136gr LaPua Scenars I've been using at 2.800 for Magazine length. Can I just load them up as per Berger Data ??
Berger 6.5 140gr Hybrid Match
- Thread starter Nelly
- Start date
I agree with Nick...use H4350 if you can find some. I have done some load development with Varget in Lapua .308 Palma cases converted to 6.5 Creedmoor but it had too much pressure to get the velocity where I wanted it (at 2725-2750fps); I got heavy bolt lift and the primer pockets loosened a little. The Palma brass is very strong in the pocket area as it uses a small primer so I would expect it to trash Hornady brass after a couple of loads it you tried to load it for speeds above 2700fps. At 35gr you should be safe but it would not likely be a great accuracy/precision load as case fill is about 88%. Varget is a great powder in the lighter bullets in the 6.5 Creed and if H4350 is not available, consider a 123-130gr bullet. That being said, to answer the question you were really asking...
...sorry for the diatribe....In my gun which is chambered with a .199 freebore (yours is likely too if a factory barrel), a Berger 140 hybrid seated 0.020" off the lands has a COAL OF 2.827. With your COAL of 2.800", you will be about 0.050" off the lands in a low round count barrel (mine had 78 rounds when this was measured). My factory barrel shot the hybrids best at 0.070" off the lands. I would test groups at COAL of 2.820", 2.800", and 2.780" and see which shoots best. If you want to get more involved there are a few basic measuring tools that I suggest buying...pm me if you want more info.
Robin
...sorry for the diatribe....In my gun which is chambered with a .199 freebore (yours is likely too if a factory barrel), a Berger 140 hybrid seated 0.020" off the lands has a COAL OF 2.827. With your COAL of 2.800", you will be about 0.050" off the lands in a low round count barrel (mine had 78 rounds when this was measured). My factory barrel shot the hybrids best at 0.070" off the lands. I would test groups at COAL of 2.820", 2.800", and 2.780" and see which shoots best. If you want to get more involved there are a few basic measuring tools that I suggest buying...pm me if you want more info.Robin
Totally stock barrel, about 120rds through it...just want to keep it as simple as possible, I'll go for 2.800- 2.820-2.780 and see if I have to single feed the longer ones..I agree with Nick...use H4350 if you can find some. I have done some load development with Varget in Lapua .308 Palma cases converted to 6.5 Creedmoor but it had too much pressure to get the velocity where I wanted it (at 2725-2750fps); I got heavy bolt lift and the primer pockets loosened a little. The Palma brass is very strong in the pocket area as it uses a small primer so I would expect it to trash Hornady brass after a couple of loads it you tried to load it for speeds above 2700fps. At 35gr you should be safe but it would not likely be a great accuracy/precision load as case fill is about 88%. Varget is a great powder in the lighter bullets in the 6.5 Creed and if H4350 is not available, consider a 123-130gr bullet. That being said, to answer the question you were really asking...
Robin
I also have some H4350, but no load data for the Berger 140 Hybrids
With the 140 hybrids at 2.800 COAL (should put you about 0.050" off the lands so you are safe there) I would start with 40.0 gr H4350 and work upward in .3 grain increments. You should find an accurate node around 41.5-42.5 gr. Make sure you are comfortable with pressure warning signs before you start loading upwards of 42gr. If you are not, consult with someone local who can offer guidance. Be safe
See load data on the factory ammo box. They tested it 9 ways to Sunday and the data that published in the box was the best in a variety of rifles.
Not saying you can't do better in your rifle, but just starting out, start with that data and go from there.
My rifle, I ended up with h4350 one gr over box max with the 140 hybrid. Ymmv
Not saying you can't do better in your rifle, but just starting out, start with that data and go from there.
My rifle, I ended up with h4350 one gr over box max with the 140 hybrid. Ymmv
I'll start with just 40.0 of H4350 @ 2.800 & see how it functions. Thanks for the info & help, I really appreciate it...I'll post results after next Thursday
Nelly,
You can since the loads are based on the COAL listed with the data. However, because the HYBRID TARGET and Elite Hunter bullets have an over SSAMI length nose dimension you will be compromising your cartridge case powder capacity. It would be better with these bullets to follow Bryan Litz's Hybrid bullet seating depth information here:
http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com...how-to-load-hybrid-bullets-for-best-accuracy/ Any seating depth testing should be done at the lowest powder charge listed for the bullet/powder/cartridge combination you are testing. Once the seating depth accuracy node is found .Work the load back up slowly checking for pressure signs and accuracy until your velocity accuracy node is found. You MAY end up with a round that will not fit or cycle through the magazine after seating depth testing. If this is an issue I suggest you try our CLASSIC HUNTER :http://www.bergerbullets.com/new-berger-classic-hunter-offerings-now-available/ . These are HYBRID bullets with an SSAMI lenth nose dimension that are designed to be used at published magazine length (COAL or COL) because of the nose length and jump tolerance of the bullet. Hope this helps! Have a Merry Christmas!
Take care,
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